The Queen's Gambit, a miniseries about a female chess prodigy, was released worldwide on Netflix.
The Queen's Gambit won Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, and Anya Taylor-Joy won Best Actress for her role as Beth Harmon.
Following the release of The Queen's Gambit, there was a notable surge in the popularity of chess worldwide, including increased sales of chess sets and a rise in online chess playing.
At around age 8, Beth is placed in an orphanage after her mother's death, where she first discovers chess through Mr. Shaibel.
Beth starts learning to play chess from the janitor Mr. Shaibel, sparking her lifelong passion and talent for the game.
The orphanage gives children tranquilizer pills to keep them calm, which Beth starts using and will continue through her life, sometimes leading to dependency.
Beth is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley, providing her a new home but also bringing challenges due to Mrs. Wheatley's conflicting attitudes.
Beth wins an important local chess tournament, marking the beginning of her competitive success.
Beth meets Benny, a confident and skilled chess player who becomes both a rival and mentor figure.
Beth competes and wins the U.S. Women's Chess Championship, affirming her place as a top player.
Throughout her career, Beth battles tranquilizer and alcohol addiction, affecting her personal and professional life.
Beth challenges and finally defeats the reigning Soviet chess champion, marking a pinnacle of her chess career.
